June 9, 2006 The Mangler
Soboba Casino, California

King of the Cage returns to Soboba Casino Friday, June 9th with MANGLER. Once again, King of the Cage knocks out the competition with a fight card full of brutal mixed martial arts action. See 40 of the toughest warriors from southern California and around the nation step into the steel cage to dismantle their opponent.

In the main event, undefeated two time defending King of the Cage Jr Bantamweight World Champion Manny 'the Mangler' Tapia defends his belt against three time defending Gladiator Challenge Jr Bantamweight World Champion and King of the Cage #1 contender Del 'the Philipino Delight' Hawkins. Tapia, a wrestling and submission specialist fighting out of Millenia Jujitsu, demonstrated his heart and newly improved striking with a decision win in a rematch over 808 Fight Factory's Ed Newalu last December in King of the Cage: FINAL CONFLICT. Hawkins, fighting out of Phoenix, AZ, is a kickboxing expert with almost 100 professional fights on his record. He comes to California hungry for a new title belt to put around his waist. Tapia looks to defend his world title in his backyard and show the challenger why he is called The Mangler, but Hawkins is unafraid to trade with anyone, and hopes to use his experience to impose his standup game plan on the grappler.

Also in title fight action, Mac Danzig, the three time defending King of the Cage and Gladiator Challenge Lightweight World Champion faces the #3 contender, Buddy Clinton. Danzig, a veteran of the sport, is on a 10 fight winning streak, and has not lost a fight in 3 years. He trains out of Millenia Jujistu, and blends his well-honed skills with a fiery determination to win that few can withstand. Clinton, a jujitsu expert and student under Royce Gracie, is coming off a win against Pride veteran and King of the Cage #5 Bantamweight contender Charles 'Krazy Horse' Bennett in his first fight in the lightweight division. Clinton, newly dropping to lightweight, seeks to win his first world title using his legendary Gracie Jujitsu, but Danzig lies down for no one, and intends to add Clinton's name to his list of defeated opponents.

In one of the most anticipated fights in King of the Cage history, Thomas 'the Wildman' Denny takes on Thomas Kenny. Denny, the former King of the Cage Welterweight World Champion and current #1 contender, is coming off a submission loss in the first round to current World Champion Matt Stansell, and looks to reestablish himself as one of the top fighters in the world at 170 pounds. Kenny, a student of Brazilian Jujitsu Black Belt John DeLao, is the #5 Welterweight contender. Thomas Kenny is on a 6 win streak, including his defeat of Shawn Bias in a lightweight bout in December at King of the Cage: FINAL CONFLICT. These two colorful warriors are both true veterans, and make for a very competitive matchup, with the winner being the put at the top of the list for a shot at the world title.

Also in the main event, Erik Apple takes on Cipi Gamino. Apple, the #8 Welterweight contender in King of the Cage, is an undefeated student of Marco Ruas, and is well known in the MMA community, both in and out of the cage. Outside the cage, Apple is a color commentator for extreme sports on ESPN and for King of the Cage PPV events. Inside the cage, Apple is relentless, with only one of his wins by decision. Gamino trains out of one of the most decorated fight schools in southern California, Millenia Jujitsu. Gamino made his victorious return to the cage last year with a quick win with strikes on the ground over Bucky 'the Beast' Hamilton. Apple is as determined as ever to make his opponent sorry for stepping into the cage across from him, but a win for the determined Gamino would put him back on the map in the hunt for the King of the Cage World Welterweight Title.

Don't miss the most exciting cage fighting event in the nation, King of the Cage: MANGLER, on Friday, June 9th at Soboba Casino in San Jacinto, CA. Gates open at 6:30pm and fights start at 8pm. For tickets, call (951) 654-2883.

1) Pat Nannery defeats Mark Barelo TKO (did not answer bell) R1 5:00
2) Jaime Sanez defeats Gene Gilsdorf TKO R2 2:22
3) Clark Bevans defeats Randy Palmer DEC R2 5:00
4) Rubin Tagle defeats Ron Cushen TKO R1 4:05
5) Ernie Perea defeats Sampy Blankenship TKO R1 1:27
6) Keith Berry defeats Aiki Cavanaugh KO R1 0:06
7) Keith McDaniel defeats Chris Ruyle TKO (did not answer bell) R1 5:00
8) Mike Mireles defeats Jason Allsman SUB (guillotine) R2 4:22
9) Brandon Beckering defeats Brian Savoia KO R1 1:22
10) Shad Smith DRAWS Richard Montano R2 5:00
11) Manny Rodriguez defeats Adrian Perez TKO R1 1:43
12) Brian Sesma defeats Moises Castillo SUB (strikes) R1 3:09
13) Elijah Young defeats Aaron Cruz SUB (rear naked choke) R1 4:03
14) Jerry Davis defeats Richard Newell TKO R1 3:41
15) William Sriyapai defeats Charles Benway KO R1 1:06
16) Chance Williams defeats Big Will TKO R1 1:48
17) Shawn Bias defeats Al Garza TKO R1 1:40
18) Aaron Witherspoon defeats Jeremiah Metcalf DEC R2 5:00
19) Thomas Kenny defeats Bryson Kamaka TKO (did not answer bell) R1 5:00

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